Republican U.S. senator John Ensign from Nevada admitted on Tuesday he had an extramarital affair with a campaign staffer last year.

The woman whose identity was not disclosed is married to a man who also worked for the senator.

I violated the vows of marriage. It's absolutely the worst thing I've done in my life, Ensign said in a press conference in Las Vegas today.

I take full responsibility for my actions. I know I have deeply hurt and disappointed my wife, Darlene, my children, my family, friends, my staff and those who believed in me. And to all of them, especially my wife, I'm truly sorry, he added.

Watch his declarations below:


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Ensign's wife stood by her man saying she loved her husband, according to a statement from her released by the senator's office, CNN noted.

Since we found out last year we have worked through the situation and we have come to a reconciliation. This has been difficult on both families. With the help of our family and close friends our marriage has become stronger, she said according to the note.

Ensign had been seen as a potential 2012 presidential contender. It is not known if he would step down as chairman of the Senate Republican Policy Committee, Reuters reported.